Tavor

The T.A.R. 21 is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition with a selective fire system, selecting between semi-automatic mode, burst mode, and full automatic fire mode. The name "T.A.R. 21" stands for "Tavor Assault Rifle - 21st Century". It is the standard issued weapon of the Givati Brigade (since August 2006) and Golani Brigade (since August 2008), with the Nahal Brigade receiving it by 2010. The M.T.A.R. 21 (Micro Tavor) was recently selected as the future assault rifle of the Israeli Defense Forces, and within the next few years it will become the standard Israeli infantry weapon.

The T.A.R. 21 uses a bullpup design, as seen with the French FAMAS, the British SA80, Austrian Steyr AUG, and the Chinese Norinco QBZ-95. Bullpup rifles are configured in a layout in which the bolt carrier group is placed behind the pistol grip; this shortens the overall length but does not sacrifice barrel length. The T.A.R. 21 provides carbine length, but rifle muzzle velocity. The bullpup design is also used to minimize the silhouette of soldiers and to maximize effectiveness in turning corners in urban warfare.

The T.A.R. 21 has ejection ports on both sides of the rifle so it can easily be reconfigured for right or left-handed shooters. However, this process requires partial disassembly, so it can not be quickly reconfigured while the rifle is in use.

The T.A.R. 21 design is based on advanced ergonomics and composite materials in order to produce a more comfortable and reliable rifle. The T.A.R. 21 is waterproof and lightweight. It has a normal metal sight but also includes an advanced red-dot reflex sight and can be mounted with different scopes, night vision systems and other electronic devices.

The T.A.R. 21 accepts standard STANAG magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher. Its ambidextrous fire mode selector above the pistol grip has a semi-automatic mode, burst mode, and a fully automatic mode.

The Micro Tavor (M.T.A.R 21), also designated X-95 and sometimes called Tavor-2, is a stand-alone extremely compact weapon specifically designed for special forces units, as well as military personnel who are normally not issued long assault rifles.

With the use of a relatively simple conversion kit, the M.T.A.R 21 can be converted from a 5.56 mm assault rifle to a 9 mm submachine gun loaded with 20, 25, and 32-round magazines. A suppressor can also be added to the weapon, it is part of the 9 mm conversion kit. An integrated grenade launcher is currently being developed for the Micro Tavor. In November 2009, the Micro Tavor was selected as the future standard infantry weapon of the IDF, ahead of all other forms of Tavor.

MICRO

A pretty cool variant of the UZI inspired family. But due to import restrictions on military weapons and no civillian models are currently made, I doubt we will see any on our shores anytime soon.

Just another clown with guns™אני תומך בישראל ואנשים שלה In War: Victory, In Peace: Diligence, In Death: Sacrifice

I found a little ditty about the Tavor online somewhere that the Homegaurd(Israeli Police Force)is using it on everyday patrol because it is more compact than the M16A4 Carbine and uses the 20 inch barrel maximising the full power potentail of the 223 round lost in shorter barrels. The bullpup stock is modified for a more sleek and usuable purchase with full body armor.

Sorry I don't have pioctures of the newer Tavor to post, but a little googling or Bing and you'll see it.

(EDIT: found a pic) The changes are subtle so you have to really look to see them.

The Tavor is being used by the Ukrainian Police now.

Just another clown with guns™אני תומך בישראל ואנשים שלה In War: Victory, In Peace: Diligence, In Death: Sacrifice